ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Education
Education Related Digital Initiative
The Ministry of Human Resource Development has recently organized a National Convention on Digital Initiatives for Higher Education, from 8th to 10th July, 2017 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi where all Vice-chancellors of Central Universities, Deemed-to-be Universities, Private Universities, State Universities, State Private Universities, Directors of Central Institutes such as IITs, IIMs, IISERs, IISc, IIITs, NITs and other central institutes also participated. Various digital initiatives under the National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology, were formally launched by Hon’ble President of India, namely:-
 SWAYAM, an indigenous MOOCs  Platform for providing best quality education to anyone, anytime and anywhere using the IT System;
 SWAYAM Prabha, the 32 Direct-to-Home Channels for transmitting high quality educational content on 24X7 basis direct to every home, without any charge; and
 The National Academic Depository , a digital depository which authenticates all the certificates issued by Institutions as per the need of the users.
This information was given by the Minister of State , Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey today in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves setting up a new company under Department of Space
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval to the Setting up of a new company under Department of Space , to commercially exploit the research and development work carried out by Indian Space Research Organization  Centers and constituent units of DOS.
Salient features:
The following areas/avenues provide opportunities for commercial exploitation of ISRO programmes:
-
- Small satellite technology transfer to industry, wherein the new company shall take license from DoS/ISRO and sub-license to industries;
- Manufacture of small satellite launch vehicle  in collaboration with the Private Sector;
- Productionisation of Polar SLV through industry;
- Productionisation and marketing of Space-based products and services, including launch and applications;
- Transfer of Technology developed by ISRO Centers and constituent units of DoS;
- Marketing of some spin-off technologies and products, both in India and abroad; and
- Any other subject which Government of India deems fit.
AKT/SH
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Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviews bilateral defence cooperation in telephonic conversation with his Australian counterpart
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh had a telephonic conversation with Australian Minister for Defence Mr Peter Dutton on June 01, 2021. During their interaction, both Ministers reviewed the defence cooperation between the two countries in the backdrop of the current regional situation.Both Ministers acknowledged the momentum that defence cooperation between India and Australia has achieved following the upgradation of the partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in Jun 2020. The participation of Australia in Exercise MALABAR has been an important milestone in this enhanced partnership.
Both Ministers expressed satisfaction at the growing defence ties between the two countries. Both sides reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and expressed commitment to further elevate engagements between the Armed Forces.During the dialogue, both Ministers expressed their intent to convene the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue at the earliest.
Shri Rajnath Singh thanked Australia for their assistance to India in fight against COVID-19.
ABB/Nampi/DK/Savvy/ADA
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Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Three-day Imphal event of B20 conference of the G20 dialogue forum concludes
Delegates experience culture, history and cuisine of Manipur
The first of the four B20 conferences of the G20 dialogue forum for the global business community in northeast states concluded here in Imphal  on February 19, 2023.
Over 100 delegates from 23 countries participated in the three-day Imphal event.
The three-day meeting discussed opportunities for multilateral business partnership in ICT, tourism, healthcare and handlooms. Representatives of G20 and other countries also addressed the plenary session on the day one of the three-day event.
Delegates from Australia, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Chad, Canada, China , France, Greece, Ghana, Iceland, Japan, Nepal, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Tunisia, Togo, Uganda, United States participated in the event.
Delegates from Overseas Trade Delegation - Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Asia Supporting Organization, APO, Japan, India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Bilateral Organisation - Indian Association of Japan, Indo Icelandic Business Association were among the participants.
Besides, diplomats – Ambassadors from the Embassy of The Republic of Tunisia, High Commissioner - Bangladesh High Commission, High Commissioner- High Commission of the Republic of Seychelles, New Delhi, Deputy Head of Mission - Embassy of Iceland, Chargé d’Affaires /Head of Mission - High Commission of Togo in India were part of the B20 event.
On the day two of the event, the delegates were on excursion to some historically significant and famous tourist spots of the state including the INA Memorial complex and Loktak Lake, one of the largest fresh water lakes in South Asia.
On Sunday, before concluding the three-day meeting, the delegates visited Ima Keithel, the iconic all-women-run market in the heart of the capital city of the state and the historic Kangla Fort.
The Business 20 or B20 is a group that represents the private sector within the Group of 20  Forum. This organization was created to provide a platform for the business community to engage with the G20 and to offer recommendations on policies that can support global economic growth and development.
The Imphal event was the first B-20 conferences part of India's G20 presidency and the second one will be held in Aizawl in Mizoram from March 1 to 3, the next one will be in Sikkim's capital Gangtok from March 15 to 17, while the fourth conference will be in Kohima in Nagaland from April 4 to 6.
The events aim to showcase the potential that the northeast region offers for global and local investors, as well as highlight opportunities for multilateral business partnerships in industry sectors where the northeastern states have core strengths.
The three-day conference in Imphal focused on exploring opportunities for multilateral business partnerships in the fields of information and communications technology , medical tourism, healthcare, and handlooms.
Ministry of Power
Power Ministry Takes Measures For Operationalising ICB Plants Under Stress
Union Power Ministry has directed Power Finance Corporation  and Rural Electrification Corporation  to take necessary action to arrange short term loans for a period of six months with adequate safeguards, for ICB plants which are under stress or in NCLT, at the earliest. These plants need working capital to buy coal and start generating power in order to restart their operations.
Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy held a meeting on 9th May 2022 on issues related to working capital to Imported coal based plants which are stressed or are in NCLT. In view of increased demand and unprecedented pressure on domestic coal supplies, Ministry of Power, on 05.05.2022 issued directions to all imported Coal Based Plants  under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003 to operate and generate power to their full capacity, even for projects which are stressed or under NCLT. These directions will ensure that additional electricity is produced through imported coal and will be a net addition.
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Ministry of Earth Sciences
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh says, several studies have been initiated by M/o Earth Sciences through its attached office National Centre for Coastal Research , to monitor the temporal and spatial distribution of marine litter along the Indian coasts
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology, M/o Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that several studies have been initiated by Ministry of Earth Sciences through its attached
office National Centre for Coastal Research , to monitor the temporal and spatial distribution of marine litter along the Indian coasts and adjacent seas and map the distribution of marine litter.
In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today, Dr. Jitendra Singh mentioned the steps that have been initiated for the formulation of the National Marine Litter Policy, like, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change  has notified Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and its amendments, which provide the statutory framework for plastic waste management in the country. The Plastic Waste Management  Rules, 2016, prohibits manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of carry bags and plastic sheets less than fifty microns in thickness in the country. There is complete ban on sachets using plastic material used for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala. MoEF&CC had also issued Gazette notification on “Guidelines on Extended producer responsibility for Plastic Packaging” and Plastic Waste Management  rules, 2022 on 16th February to all States/UTs and Ministries. Further, the Government of India has initiated several programmes such as “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”, National Mission for Clean Ganga and Smart Cities Mission” in order to develop clean and sustainable environment which contribute towards the Marine Litter Policy.
Dr. Singh said that the National Centre for Coastal Research , an attached office of MoES Conducted studies on quantifying the litter  in surface water and sediment from the shelf region of east coast of India. Samples from coastal water, beach and offshore sediment, and biota are analyzed for micro/ meso/ macro plastics pollution. An increase in the abundance of microplastics is observed along the east coast during the monsoon. The sampling stations nearer to the river mouth had higher numbers of microplastics concentrations. The Beach litter survey revealed that the maximum accumulation occurs in the backshore than in the intertidal zone. The results were published in the peer reviewed journal and accessible to the public.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Development of Ports and Harbours
Development of Ports and Harbours may involve construction of structures like breakwaters, jetties, reclamation bunds etc. and may also involve dredging to maintain depth of navigation. These projects are required to obtain Environment/ Coastal Regulation Zone  clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change  and/or State Coastal Zone Management Authority  as applicable as per the norms. As stipulated by MoEF&CC and CZMA, studies like Environment Impact Assessment  and Environment Management Plan  are undertaken as a part of the development of the projects. Based on the studies for the project, requisite mitigation measures to protect the environment are undertaken.
Coastal erosion may be caused due to natural causes such as cyclones, persistent low pressure, increased wave activity, sea-level rise etc. as well as developmental activities along the coast. As coastal areas are subjected to erosion due to various reasons, coastal protection measures such as hard/soft/hybrid structures are being employed like beach nourishment, submerged reef, natural plantations and seawalls, groins, offshore breakwaters based on site specific scientific studies for addressing the aspect of coastal erosion.
In order to ensure sustainable development of Ports, Maritime India Vision  2030 was released which envisages development of Ports with safeguard for environment protection by adopting sustainable methodologies. The dredging guidelines for Major Ports has been released by the Ministry to ensure implementation of dredging projects with optimum utilization of the resources and re-use of dredged material for sustainable development of ports in the country.
The list of total Major and non Major Ports, State / UT- wise, is given below:
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|
State/UT
|
|
Total Non Major Ports
|
|
Total Major ports
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
15
|
|
1
|
|
Goa
|
|
5
|
|
1
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
48
|
|
1
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
12
|
|
1
|
|
Kerala
|
|
17
|
|
1
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
48
|
|
2
|
|
Odisha
|
|
14
|
|
1
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
17
|
|
3
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
2
|
|
1
|
|
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
|
|
24
|
|
-
|
|
Daman & Diu
|
|
2
|
|
-
|
|
Puducherry
|
|
3
|
|
-
|
|
Lakshadweep
|
|
10
|
|
-
This information was given by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Implement Central government schemes at field level effectively: Dr. L. Murugan
The Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry and Dairying Dr. L. Murugan ordered the officials to implement Central schemes at field level more effectively. The Minister, as part of his two-day visit to Kakinada, participated in various development programmes on Wednesday. Early in the morning as part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, cleaned the secretariat premises in the 26th ward of Kakinada Municipal Corporation. Later, he distributed pamphlets on various welfare schemes being implemented by the Central Government to the people of Nagarajupeta. He also enquired the people whether they are getting the benefits of Central schemes.
He visited the Kakinada Smart City Command and Communication Centre, where he was briefed by district officials on implementation of Smart Cities Mission  and utilisation of funds through a power point presentation. The Minister advised the officials to use Smart Cities Mission  funds more effectively. He planted a sapling to mark his visit to Smart City Command and Communication Centre.
The Minister interacted with the officials during his visit to the 36th ward secretariat under Kakinada Municipal Corporation. He also went to Aayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre in Ward 31, Rellipeta and elaborated the services available to public through Aayushman Bharat. Dr Murugan also enquired about the implementation of PM’s Matruvandana Yojana from the beneficiaries on the occasion and wanted them to make complete use of the schemes being implemented by Women and Child Development Ministry.
The Minister spoke to the beneficiaries at "Rythu Bharosa Kendra” in Undur village, in Samalkot mandal and suggested them to make use of Prime Minister’s Kisan Yojana. He enquired the officials on the details of fertilizers and pesticides being provided to the farmers at the Kendra.
The Minister visited the Model Houses constructed in Samalkot mandal housing colony and speaking to the beneficiaries, said that under PMAY  scheme, the Central government is providing houses to all those who are eligible. He pointed that safe water through tap connections is also being provided to houses under Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission, on the occasion.
During the Covid pandemic, people having Jandhan accounts were credited with Rs. 500 each thrice, by the Centre, besides providing gas cylinders at a discounted price to eligible beneficiaries through Ujwala scheme.
The minister was accompanied by Kakinada MP Vanga Geeta Viswanath, Kakinada Urban MLA Chandrasekhar Reddy, Collector Kritika Shukla, central and state government officials and staff.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
The world needs rapid, sustained, and deep emission cuts in this decade rather than distant targets says India at the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate
We are not a part of the problem, but we want to be a part of the solution to the climate crisis: Shri Bhupender Yadav
 convened virtually by US President, Joe Biden, on September 17, 2021, the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadavstated that combating climate change is a shared global challenge and our response must be based on the fundamental principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities
The Minister in his remarks mentioned that though India’sshare of world population is 17% but the country’sshare in cumulative historical emissions is just 4% and even the current annual emissions are only 5.2% of the global emissions and the per capita emissions are about a third of the global average. “It is clear that we are not a part of the problem, but we want to be a part of the solution to the climate crisis.” emphasised the Minister at the meeting which aimed at facilitating candid dialogue among major emitters countries, both developed and developing, to garner political leadership to advance climate action.
Expressing India’s ambitious goals under the Paris Agreement, the Environment Minister highlighted India’s target of 450 GW of Renewable Energy by 2030 and mentioned that India’s solar capacity, drawing on the collaborative spirit of member countries through the International Solar Alliance, has increased fifteen times in the last six years.
The Minister of Environment concluded his remarks by echoing global sentiments for collective intent and concrete actions in tackling climate change. “The world needs rapid, sustained, and deep emission cuts in this decade rather than distant targets” said Shri Bhupender Yadav underscoring collaborative and cohesive global efforts to keep the Paris Agreement temperature goal within reach.
The virtual meeting built on the Leaders’ Summit on Climate conducted in April 2021 and was aimed at enabling dialogue and discussion and building consensus before COP26, which will set a precedent for climate efforts in the years to come.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Constitution of teams to Study pollution of Rivers
Since inception of Namami Gange Programme, Government has carried out detailed studies of 97 Ganga towns for their condition assessment and feasibility as regards their existing/future pollution load and sewage treatment capacity. The quantity of sewage gap along with the characteristic and pollution load was also assessed. Based on the Condition Assessment & Feasibility Study and similar study reports, 138 sewerage projects located in 89 towns on Ganga main stem, Yamuna and Ramganga have been sanctioned and are at various stages of implementation.
Similarly, under Namami Gange Programme, Central Pollution Control Board  is operating a scheme “Pollution Inventorisation Assessment and Surveillance on river Ganga ” for inventorisation, monitoring and surveillance of pollution load discharging into river Ganga and its tributaries and also for annual inspection of all Grossly Polluting Industries. Teams in association with third party technical institutions of repute like Indian Institute of Technologies , National Institute of Technologies ,
Aligarh Muslim University , Jamia Millia Islamia , Central Pulp and Paper Research Institute , Pollution Control Research Institute , Council of Scientific and Industrial Research , State Pollution Control Boards , State Mission for Clean Ganga  and District Ganga Committees  have been carrying out annual inspections to assess the compliance status of GPIs for enforcing regulatory framework on the polluting industries.
Based on these studies and on annual inspections, GPIs in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal have been inventorised and actions are taken through issue of directions under Section 5 of Environment  Act, 1986 against the industrial units not complying to the consent conditions prescribed for discharge of effluents. In 2017, out of 1109 GPIs inspected in association with 11 third party technical institutions and CPCB, 350 were found complying, 538 non-complying and 221 self-closed. Show cause notices were issued to 180 non-complying units and closure directions were issued to 358 non-complying industries under Section 5 of Environment  Act, 1986. Similarly, in 2018, 961 GPIs were inspected by associating 12 third party technical institutions. Out of 961 GPIs inspected, 472 were found complying, 211 non-complying and 278 self-closed. Show cause notices were issued to 98 non-complying units and closure directions were issued to 113 non-complying industries under Section 5 of Environment  Act, 1986.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti & Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Rattan Lal Kataria in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
A delegation of PoJK Displaced Persons called on Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh
A delegation of Pak occupied Jammu & Kashmir  Displaced Persons today called on Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and thanked him for the Union Cabinet's decision to include 5300 families of Displaced Persons also in the Rehabilitation Package, which was announced in 2016 on the directions of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The members of the delegation wanted to seek certain clarifications about the implementation part of the Cabinet decision taken yesterday and requested that, following yesterday's cabinet decision, the benefits of the Rehabilitation Package should be uniformly available to 5300 Displaced families which had been left out of the package earlier and the procedure for this should be simple.
Following the request from the members of delegation, Dr Jitendra Singh arranged a meeting of the delegation with senior officers of Union Home Ministry dealing with the subject of Rehabilitation Package. The members of the delegation later said, their inputs and suggestions were received with patience which, the Home Ministry would examine in course of time and try to make the procedure as simple and convenient as possible.
Dr Jitendra Singh described the Cabinet decision of yesterday as yet another major breakthrough for Jammu & Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that the government has the capacity and courage to take decisions and therefore, it is this government which can take the decisions to resolve these issues.
Dr Jitendra Singh appealed to guard against false rumors or misinformation sought to be spread by certain vested interests, who are uncomfortable with the government's decisive approach to resolve all the J&K related matters, whether that be Article 370, 35-A or West Pak Refugees or PoJK Displaced Persons or Kashmiri Pandits.
In the times to come, Dr Jitendra Singh assured that the new set up after 31st of October will unfold huge benefits which will be realised only when these unfold in the next few months.
Besides Mahendra Mehta, prominent members of the delegation included Shyam Gupta, Madan Mohan, Bodh Raj, Manoj Khandelwal and others.